India's south Kashmir's Pulwama district will soon be put on the international map of hockey. The Kashmir valley's first astroturf stadium is all set to be open for hockey players. Built at the cost of Rs 50 million, hockey players in Kashmir valley are joyous.&nbsp;

This hockey stadium is the first of its kind in the Kashmir valley. The stadium is built at the Government Boys Higher Secondary School Pulwama under the Augmentation of Sports Infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha laid the foundation stone for the Hockey Astro Turf Stadium after his first visit to Pulwama in September 2020.&nbsp;

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"This work has been going on for the last one year, this will be Kashmir's first International Hockey stadium. This stadium is 102 by 60 metres, the work is still on and we will start with national tournaments and later international games too. Within days it will be completed now. Around Rs 50 million has been spent on this stadium. The turf is incomplete but children are so eager to play on this field. Pulwama youth has always shown more interest in hockey, but kids wanted a place to learn. When international hockey players come to play here, it will motivate our young generation to pick up this sport. and our youth are very talented but they just didn't have facilities. and I am sure our children will play internationally soon," said Syed Javed Iqbal, Lecturer, Physical Education.

Youth from Pulwama have always shown interest in this sport and their long-pending demand for a stadium. The facility would aid in the revitalisation of hockey in the district.&nbsp;

<img alt="Hockey Stadium" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cc338b64-1bc8-4195-b52f-d6e1b9aaff88" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/download%20%281%29_0.png" />

"We are all extremely happy and a lot of children come to us asking us when this will be completed so that they can play. They are so eager to play on this ground and we have told them it's a matter of days now. Our children are talented, Pulwama has a lot of talent and now we have this turf and I am sure we will do great in hockey as well," said Imtiaz Ahmad Pandit, a physical education teacher of Boys Higher Secondary Pulwama.&nbsp;

Experts from across the country have been brought in to help with the construction of the turf. They are making sure that this becomes a stadium of international standards.&nbsp;

"There is no doubt that we can't hold international matches here, We are a FIH approved agency, whatever materials we use are FIH approved. We have been working on the levels and turf for two weeks now and we have been installing turf for the last 6 days, within two weeks this stadium will be ready," said S Raja, Technical Manager.

But the most excited are the players. Hockey players in Kashmir are already visiting the stadium while it's being made. They are eagerly waiting for it to open so that they can start playing on it.&nbsp;

<img alt="Hockey Stadium" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c97068d-7475-4d85-91bc-3f8ba6ee61bb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/download%20%282%29.png" />

"I am extremely happy and it's great news for all of us, including players from Pulwama. Kashmiri players have a platform now and can represent the country at international level, people had lost interest and now with these turfs, youngsters are again picking up this sport. Players will be motivated now to play the sport. We will learn so much from the international players playing in these stadiums," said Inderpreet Singh, a hockey player.&nbsp;

The players also say that watching international players play in this stadium would motivate more and more youngsters to play hockey.&nbsp;

''I am extremely happy and it's a very big step, it will motivate the players, I went from here to see the turf. There were players from across different districts of Kashmir just to watch the turf. which means how eager they are to play this sport. The youth gets motivated when they see players wearing Indian jerseys, it motivates us to play more and better. ' said Salman Nissar, a hockey player.&nbsp;

While this will be the only international hockey stadium in the Kashmir valley, this also is the first big sports investment that the government has made in south Kashmir. To make sure that Kashmir produces hockey players of international repute.&nbsp;

India's south Kashmir's Pulwama district will soon be put on the international map of hockey. The Kashmir valley's first astroturf stadium is all set to be open for hockey players.

India's south Kashmir's Pulwama district will soon be put on the international map of hockey. The Kashmir valley's first astroturf stadium is all set to be open for hockey players. Built at the cost of Rs 50 million, hockey players in Kashmir valley are joyous. This hockey stadium is the first of its kind in the Kashmir valley. The stadium is built at the Government Boys Higher Secondary School Pulwama under the Augmentation of Sports Infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha laid the foundation stone for the Hockey Astro Turf Stadium after his first visit to Pulwama in September 2020. ALSO READ | 'Threat came from India': Pakistan's information minister blames India after New Zealand abandoned cricket tour "This work has been going on for the last one year, this will be Kashmir's first International Hockey stadium. This stadium is 102 by 60 metres, the work is still on and we will start with national tournaments and later international games too. Within days it will be completed now. Around Rs 50 million has been spent on this stadium. The turf is incomplete but children are so eager to play on this field. Pulwama youth has always shown more interest in hockey, but kids wanted a place to learn. When international hockey players come to play here, it will motivate our young generation to pick up this sport. and our youth are very talented but they just didn't have facilities. and I am sure our children will play internationally soon," said Syed Javed Iqbal, Lecturer, Physical Education. Youth from Pulwama have always shown interest in this sport and their long-pending demand for a stadium. The facility would aid in the revitalisation of hockey in the district. "We are all extremely happy and a lot of children come to us asking us when this will be completed so that they can play. They are so eager to play on this ground and we have told them it's a matter of days now. Our children are talented, Pulwama has a lot of talent and now we have this turf and I am sure we will do great in hockey as well," said Imtiaz Ahmad Pandit, a physical education teacher of Boys Higher Secondary Pulwama. Experts from across the country have been brought in to help with the construction of the turf. They are making sure that this becomes a stadium of international standards. "There is no doubt that we can't hold international matches here, We are a FIH approved agency, whatever materials we use are FIH approved. We have been working on the levels and turf for two weeks now and we have been installing turf for the last 6 days, within two weeks this stadium will be ready," said S Raja, Technical Manager. But the most excited are the players. Hockey players in Kashmir are already visiting the stadium while it's being made. They are eagerly waiting for it to open so that they can start playing on it. "I am extremely happy and it's great news for all of us, including players from Pulwama. Kashmiri players have a platform now and can represent the country at international level, people had lost interest and now with these turfs, youngsters are again picking up this sport. Players will be motivated now to play the sport. We will learn so much from the international players playing in these stadiums," said Inderpreet Singh, a hockey player. The players also say that watching international players play in this stadium would motivate more and more youngsters to play hockey. ''I am extremely happy and it's a very big step, it will motivate the players, I went from here to see the turf. There were players from across different districts of Kashmir just to watch the turf. which means how eager they are to play this sport. The youth gets motivated when they see players wearing Indian jerseys, it motivates us to play more and better. ' said Salman Nissar, a hockey player. While this will be the only international hockey stadium in the Kashmir valley, this also is the first big sports investment that the government has made in south Kashmir. To make sure that Kashmir produces hockey players of international repute.

India: Kashmir's Pulwama to get its first astroturf hockey stadium

One terrorist was killed after an infiltration bid was foiled at the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Monday.

The Army said that in the early hours a terrorist from across the LoC made an attempt to infiltrate in the Poonch sector.

"Alert Army troops detected the infiltration bid by effective use of the integrated surveillance grid," the Army said.

"On being challenged by the Army troops, there ensued a fierce firefight with the terrorist in which one terrorist was neutralised, and his body along with an AK-47 rifle has been recovered."

The operation is still in progress in the area.

"This action by alert Army troops displays a resolve of the Indian Army to thwart any misadventure along the Line of Control," the Army said.

One terrorist was killed after an infiltration bid was foiled at the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Monday. The Army said that in the early hours a terrorist from across the LoC made an attempt to infiltrate in the Poonch sector.

One terrorist was killed after an infiltration bid was foiled at the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Monday. The Army said that in the early hours a terrorist from across the LoC made an attempt to infiltrate in the Poonch sector. "Alert Army troops detected the infiltration bid by effective use of the integrated surveillance grid," the Army said. "On being challenged by the Army troops, there ensued a fierce firefight with the terrorist in which one terrorist was neutralised, and his body along with an AK-47 rifle has been recovered." The operation is still in progress in the area. "This action by alert Army troops displays a resolve of the Indian Army to thwart any misadventure along the Line of Control," the Army said.

Infiltration bid foiled at LoC in J&K's Poonch, terrorist killed

Kashmir's tourism Industry is witnessing a boom after hitting the lowest in the last two years. In the month of July and August, Kashmir has seen maximum tourist arrivals. The Srinagar airport has more than 8,000 travellers flying in and out of Srinagar with a total of 62 flights everyday.&nbsp;

The numbers have increased after the authorities started late evening flights in Srinagar. It has not only helped the tourists but locals of the valley too.

"A total number of 8,059 passengers travelled on 62 flights (31 Arrivals and 31 Departure)," tweeted Srinagar Airport Authority.&nbsp;

The tourism stakeholders of Kashmir valley have finally had some respite. They are hoping the tourist arrivals continue like this so that the industry flourishes again.&nbsp;

"The flow of tourists is much better than what it was earlier. After Covid we are thankful to the tourism department for the promotion and with time its getting better and better. Department started a vaccination drive and we were the first ones to open for tourists in the country. We are adding new attractions like water transport and a new destination Gurez also picked up. We are hoping that with festivals coming the number of tourists will increase. We are also doing regional promotions in different states," said Manzoor Pakhtoon, a tour operator.

After the second wave of Covid subsided in the country, people have finally started travelling and Kashmir is one of the most favourite destinations for the domestic tourists.

A lot of tourists could be seen around Dal Lake, Gulmarg and places like Pahalgam.&nbsp;

"We have come to Kashmir for the first time and we are liking it. What we hear in the news, it's not like that at all. We like everything from people to places. We are going to Pahalgam and Gulmarg for the next three days. Everyone should come to Kashmir and there is nothing to worry about. People are bored at home so people should travel now," said Naresh Kumar, a tourist.

The tourists also asked people from across the country to visit the Valley.&nbsp;

"Kashmir is a paradise and it's the truth. We are so happy to be here. And I would also come again for sure. I would ask people to come as it's a very beautiful place," said Aakash Tilak, a tourist.&nbsp;

The government of Jammu and Kashmir has also given special discounts and offers to the tourists coming to the valley. Some new sites are being added as well as adventure tourism is also being promoted.

Kashmir's tourism Industry is witnessing a boom after hitting the lowest in the last two years. In the month of July and August, Kashmir has seen maximum tourist arrivals.

Kashmir's tourism Industry is witnessing a boom after hitting the lowest in the last two years. In the month of July and August, Kashmir has seen maximum tourist arrivals. The Srinagar airport has more than 8,000 travellers flying in and out of Srinagar with a total of 62 flights everyday. The numbers have increased after the authorities started late evening flights in Srinagar. It has not only helped the tourists but locals of the valley too. "A total number of 8,059 passengers travelled on 62 flights (31 Arrivals and 31 Departure)," tweeted Srinagar Airport Authority. The tourism stakeholders of Kashmir valley have finally had some respite. They are hoping the tourist arrivals continue like this so that the industry flourishes again. "The flow of tourists is much better than what it was earlier. After Covid we are thankful to the tourism department for the promotion and with time its getting better and better. Department started a vaccination drive and we were the first ones to open for tourists in the country. We are adding new attractions like water transport and a new destination Gurez also picked up. We are hoping that with festivals coming the number of tourists will increase. We are also doing regional promotions in different states," said Manzoor Pakhtoon, a tour operator. After the second wave of Covid subsided in the country, people have finally started travelling and Kashmir is one of the most favourite destinations for the domestic tourists. A lot of tourists could be seen around Dal Lake, Gulmarg and places like Pahalgam. "We have come to Kashmir for the first time and we are liking it. What we hear in the news, it's not like that at all. We like everything from people to places. We are going to Pahalgam and Gulmarg for the next three days. Everyone should come to Kashmir and there is nothing to worry about. People are bored at home so people should travel now," said Naresh Kumar, a tourist. The tourists also asked people from across the country to visit the Valley. "Kashmir is a paradise and it's the truth. We are so happy to be here. And I would also come again for sure. I would ask people to come as it's a very beautiful place," said Aakash Tilak, a tourist. The government of Jammu and Kashmir has also given special discounts and offers to the tourists coming to the valley. Some new sites are being added as well as adventure tourism is also being promoted.

Tourism industry in Kashmir booms again: 8,000 travellers fly in and out in a day

A new saffron park has been started just for the sole purpose of processing and promoting the sale of saffron from the Kashmir Valley.&nbsp;

To give a boost to saffron farming in the Kashmir valley, the government of India has initiated new schemes and techniques for its promotion. With the introduction of GI Tagging and new techniques of processing, the quality of Kashmir's saffron has been raised to be among the top in the world.

A new saffron park has been started just for the sole purpose of processing and promoting the sale of saffron from the Kashmir Valley.&nbsp;

"We test the samples that we get here. There are 8 parameters we test these samples on, which are internationally recognized. Our lab is recognised across the world. The 8 parameters include moisture, extraneous matter and foreign matter, and total ash and three main characteristics. We grade them and then we do an e-auction. The farmers get the flowers and then we do the stigma separation and then we do the vacuum drying. Traditionally, farmers used to dry the saffron under shade at home, but due to that, the saffron used to lose its main components. We save all the parameters which help us to get the best grade. Our saffron is better than Spain and Iranian saffron. " said Dr Majid Ali, Deputy Technical Manager.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="saffron" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c000ab28-7f4f-4111-af03-f00fd7088119" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Image%282%29.jpeg" />

The saffron flowers are sent to this laboratory where scientists with all new technology process them and can retain the finest quality. With this quality assurance and GI Tagging, the government can sell the products on all national and international platforms.&nbsp;

"Anytime a laboratory or institution checks the quality of a product, they have to survey the establishment. There are many procedures that ensure the quality and quantity of the product. There are many schemes and standard operating procedures. 
 
<img alt="saffron" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="97f65c3b-969b-458e-b22c-3642a9767aec" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Image%281%29.jpeg" />

If we want to get these products recognised on international platforms, we have to follow these steps. It's not a cumbersome process, but it's a process that ensures the quality, quantity, and income of the farmers. SOP is made for people to benefit the people, so in that way, there are many processes and camps where we are aware of the farmers, "said Baseer Ul Chaudhary, DC Pulwama.&nbsp;

With this step, the farmers and retailers of the Kashmir valley are extremely happy. They say it will benefit the farmers directly and they can sell the product despite lockdowns.&nbsp;

"It's very good for us. The farmers were not satisfied with the money they would get for their produce. If there is a good price for it, it will help. Due to COVID-19, there were problems. Now if we could sell it online, it would be a lot more beneficial. We have been personally selling it online and if the government also did the same, it would help, "said Wahid Bhat, a farmer and retailer.

Tourists coming to the Kashmir valley always buy saffron on their visit. But with initiative now, they can buy the best quality saffron online. They say it will be very helpful.&nbsp;

"Since childhood, we have heard about it and we get it every year. It's very good quality. If it's as good quality as we get from Kashmir, then it's very helpful. Then you don't need to wait long to get the best quality. It is good for the farmers also, as due to COVID-19, tourism has come to a halt. The farmers will not have to suffer from it. The product will not have to suffer. "said Nidhi Aggarwal, a tourist.&nbsp;

These new initiatives by the government of India will benefit the farmers as well as the retailers in the Kashmir valley.

A new saffron park has been started just for the sole purpose of processing and promoting the sale of saffron from the Kashmir Valley. To give a boost to saffron farming in the Kashmir valley, the government of India has initiated new schemes and techniques for its promotion.

A new saffron park has been started just for the sole purpose of processing and promoting the sale of saffron from the Kashmir Valley. To give a boost to saffron farming in the Kashmir valley, the government of India has initiated new schemes and techniques for its promotion. With the introduction of GI Tagging and new techniques of processing, the quality of Kashmir's saffron has been raised to be among the top in the world. A new saffron park has been started just for the sole purpose of processing and promoting the sale of saffron from the Kashmir Valley. "We test the samples that we get here. There are 8 parameters we test these samples on, which are internationally recognized. Our lab is recognised across the world. The 8 parameters include moisture, extraneous matter and foreign matter, and total ash and three main characteristics. We grade them and then we do an e-auction. The farmers get the flowers and then we do the stigma separation and then we do the vacuum drying. Traditionally, farmers used to dry the saffron under shade at home, but due to that, the saffron used to lose its main components. We save all the parameters which help us to get the best grade. Our saffron is better than Spain and Iranian saffron. " said Dr Majid Ali, Deputy Technical Manager. The saffron flowers are sent to this laboratory where scientists with all new technology process them and can retain the finest quality. With this quality assurance and GI Tagging, the government can sell the products on all national and international platforms. "Anytime a laboratory or institution checks the quality of a product, they have to survey the establishment. There are many procedures that ensure the quality and quantity of the product. There are many schemes and standard operating procedures. If we want to get these products recognised on international platforms, we have to follow these steps. It's not a cumbersome process, but it's a process that ensures the quality, quantity, and income of the farmers. SOP is made for people to benefit the people, so in that way, there are many processes and camps where we are aware of the farmers, "said Baseer Ul Chaudhary, DC Pulwama. With this step, the farmers and retailers of the Kashmir valley are extremely happy. They say it will benefit the farmers directly and they can sell the product despite lockdowns. "It's very good for us. The farmers were not satisfied with the money they would get for their produce. If there is a good price for it, it will help. Due to COVID-19, there were problems. Now if we could sell it online, it would be a lot more beneficial. We have been personally selling it online and if the government also did the same, it would help, "said Wahid Bhat, a farmer and retailer. Tourists coming to the Kashmir valley always buy saffron on their visit. But with initiative now, they can buy the best quality saffron online. They say it will be very helpful. "Since childhood, we have heard about it and we get it every year. It's very good quality. If it's as good quality as we get from Kashmir, then it's very helpful. Then you don't need to wait long to get the best quality. It is good for the farmers also, as due to COVID-19, tourism has come to a halt. The farmers will not have to suffer from it. The product will not have to suffer. "said Nidhi Aggarwal, a tourist. These new initiatives by the government of India will benefit the farmers as well as the retailers in the Kashmir valley.

Kashmir’s famous saffron farming gets a boost with new initiatives by the Government of India

Is Kashmir a dispute of India's own making? How did a region that lawfully acceded to India become a pawn in the hands of world powers? On Gravitas Plus, Palki Sharma deconstructs the genesis of the Kashmir saga.

Gravitas Plus: The genesis of Kashmir issue

Located only a stone's throw away from Dal Lake in Srinagar, lies this cafe Winterfell. It's inspired by a television fantasy drama. The interior sport a medieval era brick and wood theme. Watch this video to know more.

Jammu And Kashmir: A cafe inspired by a television fantasy drama near Dal Lake

People living in the rural areas of Jammu-Kashmir will be provided with the same medical facilities that are available in cities. Government is constructing 30 new oxygen plants in these far-flung areas and also providing high standard medical equipment to these primary health hospitals.

India: Health infrastructure upgraded in rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir

The Jammu and Kashmir government has established&nbsp;a special initiative for the first time for the youth of the union territory. The initiative called ''Mission Youth'' will benefit more than 50,000 youngsters&nbsp;in different streams.&nbsp;

The motive behind this is to engage the youngsters of the union territory&nbsp;from developing their skills to training them for starting their own ventures. This initiative will also work in sports activities where more than 20,000 youth will&nbsp;be engaged&nbsp;and trained in various sports to become professionals.&nbsp;

''Under mission youth we are working under five-six major parameters, one is skill development. We have rolled out 98 courses for the youth. They are linked with employment. Second&nbsp;is sports, we want youth to take sports as a profession. We are engaging 20,000 youth in sports and different activities. We are holding counselling&nbsp;centres for youth. Scholarships for women have been rolled out — super 75 scholarship&nbsp;under the guidance of LG Manoj Sinha where we provide INR 100,000 to each girl student to pursue&nbsp;further studies. We are also going to coach students for different competitive exams,'' said Shahid Chaudhary, Director, Mission Youth.

In the Mission Youth, special schemes and scholarships have been rolled out specially for women. Female students wanting to pursue post-graduate courses will be helped with around INR 100,000 worth of scholarships and&nbsp;many skill development courses have also been introduced for women.&nbsp;

''The performance of women&nbsp;has been low and when we launched these schemes the first few ones were only for women. We want at least&nbsp;50 per cent of women participation. We are engaging 20,000 in sports only, self-employment for 50,000 youth in collaboration with JK bank,'' Chaudhary explained.

Young people of the valley have appreciated this move by the government. They say it will help many unemployed youngsters to find a path for deciding their careers and also take them away from social evils such as drug addiction.&nbsp;

"First of all, I would like to appreciate this move by the government of Jammu and Kashmir. It was very much required. Mission youth has funding of around 600 crores, and I recently saw 75 students will get scholarships for the courses, youth engagement schemes are there in it. We have nothing to do otherwise and this initiative will give a boost to the youth in sectors like entrepreneurship etc. They should take more such initiatives for the young, otherwise, we have seen young people going towards drugs and other social evils," said Mir Khubaib, a youngster in the valley.&nbsp;

Some youngsters even say that it's the first time the government has thought about young people. However, they appreciated the efforts made by the LG Manoj Sinha.&nbsp;

"It's the first time in seven decades that something has happened so it's really fabulous that they are delivering on ground. If we see in departments it used to be extremely difficult to get a loan but with these schemes it would be helpful. Youth can get engaged in recreational initiatives. Mission Youth is a great initiative and the officer leading is also good. In Srinagar downtown area, 99 per cent are not government employees and they used to face a lot of issues in getting loans. Youth were demanding something should be done and this is something great LG Manoj Sinha has done for the people of Kashmir. The main reason behind drug addiction is unemployment and with these initiatives, we can involve these youth in something constructive,"&nbsp;said Aqib Renzu, a youth activist.&nbsp;

Youngsters from downtown, however, say that they have been neglected always but hope this scheme will benefit them too.&nbsp;

''This is a great initiative, mission youth for the young. I am from the downtown area of Srinagar and we have been neglected for a very long time and now for the first time we are seeing some hope. I appreciate this. Inshallah it will be a great platform,'' said Tabish Abbas Pathan, a local youngster.&nbsp;

The scheme, if implemented, properly across the union territory can really bring a major change across the Valley.&nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir government has established a special initiative for the first time for the youth of the union territory. The initiative called ''Mission Youth'' will benefit more than 50,000 youngsters in different streams.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has established a special initiative for the first time for the youth of the union territory. The initiative called ''Mission Youth'' will benefit more than 50,000 youngsters in different streams. The motive behind this is to engage the youngsters of the union territory from developing their skills to training them for starting their own ventures. This initiative will also work in sports activities where more than 20,000 youth will be engaged and trained in various sports to become professionals. ''Under mission youth we are working under five-six major parameters, one is skill development. We have rolled out 98 courses for the youth. They are linked with employment. Second is sports, we want youth to take sports as a profession. We are engaging 20,000 youth in sports and different activities. We are holding counselling centres for youth. Scholarships for women have been rolled out — super 75 scholarship under the guidance of LG Manoj Sinha where we provide INR 100,000 to each girl student to pursue further studies. We are also going to coach students for different competitive exams,'' said Shahid Chaudhary, Director, Mission Youth. In the Mission Youth, special schemes and scholarships have been rolled out specially for women. Female students wanting to pursue post-graduate courses will be helped with around INR 100,000 worth of scholarships and many skill development courses have also been introduced for women. ''The performance of women has been low and when we launched these schemes the first few ones were only for women. We want at least 50 per cent of women participation. We are engaging 20,000 in sports only, self-employment for 50,000 youth in collaboration with JK bank,'' Chaudhary explained. Young people of the valley have appreciated this move by the government. They say it will help many unemployed youngsters to find a path for deciding their careers and also take them away from social evils such as drug addiction. "First of all, I would like to appreciate this move by the government of Jammu and Kashmir. It was very much required. Mission youth has funding of around 600 crores, and I recently saw 75 students will get scholarships for the courses, youth engagement schemes are there in it. We have nothing to do otherwise and this initiative will give a boost to the youth in sectors like entrepreneurship etc. They should take more such initiatives for the young, otherwise, we have seen young people going towards drugs and other social evils," said Mir Khubaib, a youngster in the valley. Some youngsters even say that it's the first time the government has thought about young people. However, they appreciated the efforts made by the LG Manoj Sinha. "It's the first time in seven decades that something has happened so it's really fabulous that they are delivering on ground. If we see in departments it used to be extremely difficult to get a loan but with these schemes it would be helpful. Youth can get engaged in recreational initiatives. Mission Youth is a great initiative and the officer leading is also good. In Srinagar downtown area, 99 per cent are not government employees and they used to face a lot of issues in getting loans. Youth were demanding something should be done and this is something great LG Manoj Sinha has done for the people of Kashmir. The main reason behind drug addiction is unemployment and with these initiatives, we can involve these youth in something constructive," said Aqib Renzu, a youth activist. Youngsters from downtown, however, say that they have been neglected always but hope this scheme will benefit them too. ''This is a great initiative, mission youth for the young. I am from the downtown area of Srinagar and we have been neglected for a very long time and now for the first time we are seeing some hope. I appreciate this. Inshallah it will be a great platform,'' said Tabish Abbas Pathan, a local youngster. The scheme, if implemented, properly across the union territory can really bring a major change across the Valley.

Mission Youth: 50,000 youth to be engaged in JK for employment opportunities

In the Kashmir Valley, J&K government is planning to revive river transport. Three bus boats have been brought from New Zealand to ply on river Jhelum in Srinagar.

India: Jhelum water transport set to make a comeback

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were killed in an encounter with security personnel in the Alamdar Colony, Danmar region of Srinagar, in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Kashmir Police IG Vijay Kumar said that the terrorists were locals and belonged to Lashkar-e-Taiba. "Two local terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba were killed," IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar told news agency ANI.

Terrorists and security personnel engaged in a gunfight on Friday morning after a joint police-army squad cordoned off the area and conducted a search operation based on specific information about the presence of terrorists.

As security forces closed in on the location where terrorists were hiding, they were met with a barrage of fire, which sparked the confrontation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were killed in an encounter with security personnel in the Alamdar Colony, Danmar region of Srinagar, in Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmir Police IG Vijay Kumar said that the terrorists were locals and belonged to Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were killed in an encounter with security personnel in the Alamdar Colony, Danmar region of Srinagar, in Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmir Police IG Vijay Kumar said that the terrorists were locals and belonged to Lashkar-e-Taiba. "Two local terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba were killed," IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar told news agency ANI. Terrorists and security personnel engaged in a gunfight on Friday morning after a joint police-army squad cordoned off the area and conducted a search operation based on specific information about the presence of terrorists. As security forces closed in on the location where terrorists were hiding, they were met with a barrage of fire, which sparked the confrontation. (With inputs from agencies)

Jammu and Kashmir: Two LeT terrorists killed in encounter with security forces

The Jammu and Kashmir government is planning to revive river transport in the Kashmir Valley. Three bus boats have been brought from New Zealand to ply on river Jhelum in Srinagar. This is after decades that a river transport facility would be thrown open for tourists and the public as well.

People can take this boat ride from the Lasjan area of Srinagar to the interior of downtown. The Lieutenent Governor (LG) of Jammu and Kashmir has pushed for this initiative with the tourism department. They say that it will be the cheapest mode of transport.

"This is the revival of water transport in Srinagar, It will start from next month, we have procured all the equipment. I think it can be the optimal utilisation of water resources and it will be the means of transport in future. It will be way cheaper than road transport. In the world it's cheapest mode of transport. We have a fleet of three boats and in future they will procure more. All the decks are ready," said Imran Malik, Director, Private company.

Each boat has 35 seats with air conditioning. And the whole cover is made of glass. It will make the passengers enjoy the view of Srinagar city and make it a memorable ride. The tourism department will promote it so that more and more people take this mode of transport while travelling in the city.&nbsp;

"This is the first kind of this boat, which the people of Kashmir will be seeing, this is a bus boat which we have imported from New Zealand and it has a capacity of 35 passengers including 5 crew members. The plan is that it will ply from Batawara to Veer Chattabal. This will have 6 stops and we are doing trial runs and we will hand over it to JK Tourism. It's a type of tourist attraction, it will be available to tourists and locals. It's an add-on to the road transport, the roads are congested and if we get 5-6 of these in future this will help take the pressure off from road transport." said Abdul Hanan, Manager.

The engineers of the boat have come from Mumbai and will be training the locals in case there are any technical issues with the bus boat.&nbsp;

"I am training local engineers so that if there is an issue they can handle it. I am also telling them how to run this boat. If there is any issue ever then we can even take care of the problem remotely," said Bharat Gupta, Engineer.

As the roads are congested with traffic, the river transport will help in taking the pressure off from the roads in Srinagar city.&nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir government is planning to revive river transport in the Kashmir Valley. Three bus boats have been brought from New Zealand to ply on river Jhelum in Srinagar.

The Jammu and Kashmir government is planning to revive river transport in the Kashmir Valley. Three bus boats have been brought from New Zealand to ply on river Jhelum in Srinagar. This is after decades that a river transport facility would be thrown open for tourists and the public as well. People can take this boat ride from the Lasjan area of Srinagar to the interior of downtown. The Lieutenent Governor (LG) of Jammu and Kashmir has pushed for this initiative with the tourism department. They say that it will be the cheapest mode of transport. "This is the revival of water transport in Srinagar, It will start from next month, we have procured all the equipment. I think it can be the optimal utilisation of water resources and it will be the means of transport in future. It will be way cheaper than road transport. In the world it's cheapest mode of transport. We have a fleet of three boats and in future they will procure more. All the decks are ready," said Imran Malik, Director, Private company. Each boat has 35 seats with air conditioning. And the whole cover is made of glass. It will make the passengers enjoy the view of Srinagar city and make it a memorable ride. The tourism department will promote it so that more and more people take this mode of transport while travelling in the city. "This is the first kind of this boat, which the people of Kashmir will be seeing, this is a bus boat which we have imported from New Zealand and it has a capacity of 35 passengers including 5 crew members. The plan is that it will ply from Batawara to Veer Chattabal. This will have 6 stops and we are doing trial runs and we will hand over it to JK Tourism. It's a type of tourist attraction, it will be available to tourists and locals. It's an add-on to the road transport, the roads are congested and if we get 5-6 of these in future this will help take the pressure off from road transport." said Abdul Hanan, Manager. The engineers of the boat have come from Mumbai and will be training the locals in case there are any technical issues with the bus boat. "I am training local engineers so that if there is an issue they can handle it. I am also telling them how to run this boat. If there is any issue ever then we can even take care of the problem remotely," said Bharat Gupta, Engineer. As the roads are congested with traffic, the river transport will help in taking the pressure off from the roads in Srinagar city.

Revival of water transport in Kashmir, bus boats bought from New Zealand

The houseboats in Kashmir valley are famous all around the world but they have been dying a slow death. The numbers have gone down from 5,000 houseboats to 900. And at this speed, it seems they might become history soon.&nbsp;

The rich heritage of houseboats on water bodies of Kashmir valley has&nbsp;always been a big tourist attraction. The stakeholders have always called it the Jewel of Tourism Industry in Kashmir valley. More than 40 per cent of houseboats have vanished in just three decades.&nbsp;

The reason people living on the lake say they are getting no permissions to repair the houseboats. A huge number of repair requests are pending with the government for the restoration of these houseboats. And the unending wait has led to a decrease in the numbers of these houseboats.&nbsp;

''There were thousands of houseboats across Srinagar, in Dal Lake, Jhelum river, Chinar Bagh, and Nigeen. Four Places had the majority of these boats. There was dunga, houseboats and bahach. The reason is that we don't get permission on time, we don't get timber, we have been asking the government for subsidised timber because Kashmir tourism was hit. Before 1989 we never used to ask anything from the government because we had business and now since we don't have much business we are asking for their help. Government should come forward to help the community, otherwise there are only 900 houseboats left and many need repair and attention from the government otherwise in the coming days there would be no houseboats. '' said Tariq Patloo, a houseboat owner.&nbsp;

The houseboat owners allege that injustice is being done to them by the government. They say that thousands of liters of sewage goes into Dal Lake every day, and less than two to three per cent pollution is caused by houseboats. But the whole blame is put on them.

''There will be a time when our grandchildren will read about the houseboats in books, as none would exist. If there are houseboats in Kashmir, the tourism industry is alive. The way we move the oar while riding a shikara is how we keep the water clean. You should see the old pictures of chinar bagh and see how many houseboats there were. Dal Lake has 600 houseboats, Nigeen has 195 and Chinar Bagh has 40 while the river will have 70. Slowly numbers are going down and the day it finishes tourism will finish too. They come here for Shikara and Houseboats. We say with pride that we own houseboats, the government knows and called it heritage. This is a very small thing of repairing the houseboats, an officer started a boatyard for the repairs and would you believe that not even a single houseboat was repaired there. The timber is banned for us, but people all across the city are using it but we have no access to it. The coming generation would blame us for not saving the heritage. '' said M Ashraf Badyari, Houseboat owner.&nbsp;

In 2009, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court had banned the repair and renovation of houseboats after the government told the court that houseboats were the main cause of pollution of water bodies in Srinagar.&nbsp; The government says they are working on a policy to keep the heritage alive.

The houseboats in Kashmir valley are famous all around the world but they have been dying a slow death. The numbers have gone down from 5,000 houseboats to 900. And at this speed, it seems they might become history soon.

The houseboats in Kashmir valley are famous all around the world but they have been dying a slow death. The numbers have gone down from 5,000 houseboats to 900. And at this speed, it seems they might become history soon. The rich heritage of houseboats on water bodies of Kashmir valley has always been a big tourist attraction. The stakeholders have always called it the Jewel of Tourism Industry in Kashmir valley. More than 40 per cent of houseboats have vanished in just three decades. The reason people living on the lake say they are getting no permissions to repair the houseboats. A huge number of repair requests are pending with the government for the restoration of these houseboats. And the unending wait has led to a decrease in the numbers of these houseboats. ''There were thousands of houseboats across Srinagar, in Dal Lake, Jhelum river, Chinar Bagh, and Nigeen. Four Places had the majority of these boats. There was dunga, houseboats and bahach. The reason is that we don't get permission on time, we don't get timber, we have been asking the government for subsidised timber because Kashmir tourism was hit. Before 1989 we never used to ask anything from the government because we had business and now since we don't have much business we are asking for their help. Government should come forward to help the community, otherwise there are only 900 houseboats left and many need repair and attention from the government otherwise in the coming days there would be no houseboats. '' said Tariq Patloo, a houseboat owner. The houseboat owners allege that injustice is being done to them by the government. They say that thousands of liters of sewage goes into Dal Lake every day, and less than two to three per cent pollution is caused by houseboats. But the whole blame is put on them. ''There will be a time when our grandchildren will read about the houseboats in books, as none would exist. If there are houseboats in Kashmir, the tourism industry is alive. The way we move the oar while riding a shikara is how we keep the water clean. You should see the old pictures of chinar bagh and see how many houseboats there were. Dal Lake has 600 houseboats, Nigeen has 195 and Chinar Bagh has 40 while the river will have 70. Slowly numbers are going down and the day it finishes tourism will finish too. They come here for Shikara and Houseboats. We say with pride that we own houseboats, the government knows and called it heritage. This is a very small thing of repairing the houseboats, an officer started a boatyard for the repairs and would you believe that not even a single houseboat was repaired there. The timber is banned for us, but people all across the city are using it but we have no access to it. The coming generation would blame us for not saving the heritage. '' said M Ashraf Badyari, Houseboat owner. In 2009, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court had banned the repair and renovation of houseboats after the government told the court that houseboats were the main cause of pollution of water bodies in Srinagar. The government says they are working on a policy to keep the heritage alive.

How Kashmir is losing its houseboat heritage

Srinagar's downtown area has always been in news for wrong reasons. However, it has something positive to showcase now. To revive the legacy of football in the old city of Srinagar, a group of people have come forward and made a football club called "Downtown Heroes FC"

The old city of Srinagar was known for producing top-class footballers who even went on to represent Jammu &amp; Kashmir at the national and International level. And the downtown area was known as the hub of football in Kashmir but in recent years it has lost its touch with the most followed sport in Kashmir.&nbsp;

The club is specially made for the youngsters of the downtown area of Srinagar.&nbsp;

"We want football to be popular in the old city again. We have developed a robust framework to produce not only star footballers but star individuals. This academy would be open for all old city players. It's also a great way channeling the energy of youth and keeping them away from social evils like drugs (case of) which have unfortunately grown rapidly in Srinagar," said club’s chairman, Irfan Shahmiri.&nbsp;

Downtown Heroes FC was started with an aim to revive the lost glory of football in the old city. It was launched in 2019 and the club has already made a name for itself. In its inaugural season, It went to play in the Premier League, Real Kashmir Cup and also went on to win Doon Knockout football tournament title. It has received a lot of applause from the people in the valley.&nbsp;

"Today the club has launched two new teams for Under-16 and Under-12. The main motive behind this club is for holistic development of young people. We have received great response from people and we want it to continue," said Mushtaq Bashir, founder of the club&nbsp;

Now, the club is hoping to collaborate with government sports councils.

Srinagar's downtown area has always been in news for wrong reasons. However, it has something positive to showcase now. To revive the legacy of football in the old city of Srinagar, a group of people have come forward and made a football club called "Downtown Heroes FC" The old city of Srinagar was known for producing top-class footballers who even went on to represent Jammu & Kashmir at the national and International level.

Srinagar's downtown area has always been in news for wrong reasons. However, it has something positive to showcase now. To revive the legacy of football in the old city of Srinagar, a group of people have come forward and made a football club called "Downtown Heroes FC" The old city of Srinagar was known for producing top-class footballers who even went on to represent Jammu & Kashmir at the national and International level. And the downtown area was known as the hub of football in Kashmir but in recent years it has lost its touch with the most followed sport in Kashmir. The club is specially made for the youngsters of the downtown area of Srinagar. "We want football to be popular in the old city again. We have developed a robust framework to produce not only star footballers but star individuals. This academy would be open for all old city players. It's also a great way channeling the energy of youth and keeping them away from social evils like drugs (case of) which have unfortunately grown rapidly in Srinagar," said club’s chairman, Irfan Shahmiri. Downtown Heroes FC was started with an aim to revive the lost glory of football in the old city. It was launched in 2019 and the club has already made a name for itself. In its inaugural season, It went to play in the Premier League, Real Kashmir Cup and also went on to win Doon Knockout football tournament title. It has received a lot of applause from the people in the valley. "Today the club has launched two new teams for Under-16 and Under-12. The main motive behind this club is for holistic development of young people. We have received great response from people and we want it to continue," said Mushtaq Bashir, founder of the club Now, the club is hoping to collaborate with government sports councils.

Downtown Srinagar is now buzzing with footballers

The Jammu and Kashmir police have&nbsp;started a recruitment rally for the women of Kashmir valley. A three day-long rally was held in RTC Ground in Humhama in Budgam District where hundreds of women participated in this recruitment rally. The first day was kept for the women from Central Kashmir, the second day for North Kashmir and the last day was for the women from South Kashmir.

Around 1,300 women&nbsp;will&nbsp;be recruited into police services during this rally including 650&nbsp;from the Jammu division, with the same number expected to join from the Kashmir division. The rally in Jammu was held two years ago while due to Covid, the Kashmir rally was postponed.

''The sanction for two women battalions was approved, We started the process in 2019 and today is the first stage of the recruitment in Kashmir valley. Jammu recruitment was done before the covid. We started a three day recruitment rally for the Kashmir zone, and started with Central Kashmir and then North Kashmir and today South Kashmir. In one battalion we have to recruit 650 females",&nbsp;said Danish Rana, ADGP Co-ordination.

The women who had come for the rally were excited to don the uniform and work for the country. Some even saying that they are not scared to be part of police in the valley at all.

''I am so happy to be here, I have so many dreams and I hope I&nbsp;will make them come true. I always wanted to join police services, I am not scared at all. I want to work for the society and people and I am feeling very proud that I have come here. I have full support from my family", said Munazah Farooq, aspirant.

Some of the aspirants also said that wearing the uniform has been their dream and now its seems to be coming true.

''I have always wanted to wear uniform and work for the country. I have full support from family and that's why i am here. I am feeling very happy'', said Manjeet Singh.

There will be a written exam for the candidates who qualify in the first round. The third leg of this rally will be help in Leh&nbsp;and Kargil.

The Jammu and Kashmir police have started a recruitment rally for the women of Kashmir valley. A three day-long rally was held in RTC Ground in Humhama in Budgam District where hundreds of women participated in this recruitment rally.

The Jammu and Kashmir police have started a recruitment rally for the women of Kashmir valley. A three day-long rally was held in RTC Ground in Humhama in Budgam District where hundreds of women participated in this recruitment rally. The first day was kept for the women from Central Kashmir, the second day for North Kashmir and the last day was for the women from South Kashmir. Around 1,300 women will be recruited into police services during this rally including 650 from the Jammu division, with the same number expected to join from the Kashmir division. The rally in Jammu was held two years ago while due to Covid, the Kashmir rally was postponed. ''The sanction for two women battalions was approved, We started the process in 2019 and today is the first stage of the recruitment in Kashmir valley. Jammu recruitment was done before the covid. We started a three day recruitment rally for the Kashmir zone, and started with Central Kashmir and then North Kashmir and today South Kashmir. In one battalion we have to recruit 650 females", said Danish Rana, ADGP Co-ordination. The women who had come for the rally were excited to don the uniform and work for the country. Some even saying that they are not scared to be part of police in the valley at all. ''I am so happy to be here, I have so many dreams and I hope I will make them come true. I always wanted to join police services, I am not scared at all. I want to work for the society and people and I am feeling very proud that I have come here. I have full support from my family", said Munazah Farooq, aspirant. Some of the aspirants also said that wearing the uniform has been their dream and now its seems to be coming true. ''I have always wanted to wear uniform and work for the country. I have full support from family and that's why i am here. I am feeling very happy'', said Manjeet Singh. There will be a written exam for the candidates who qualify in the first round. The third leg of this rally will be help in Leh and Kargil.

J&K police hold recruitment rally for women in Kashmir to fill 1,300 posts

In a surprise move, the Jammu and Kashmir government&nbsp;today cancelled the residential accommodation of "Darbar Move" employees in Jammu and Srinagar depending on their location. The order, which was issued by the government stated that all the employees will have to vacate their accommodation within three&nbsp;weeks.

"Cancellation of allotment of residential accommodation of officers/officials at Srinagar as indicated at Annexure-A to this order who are stationed at Jammu, and cancellation of allotment of residential accommodation of officers/officials at Jammu as per Annexure-B to this order who are stationed at Srinagar," said the Government order.

Earlier this month, The LG of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha had said that the&nbsp;administration has completely transitioned to e-office, thereby ending the practice of the biannual ''Darbar Move''.

The government had also said that with this move, both Jammu and Srinagar secretariats will work for all 12 months. It also mentioned that the government&nbsp;would&nbsp;save on millions of rupees by this decision.&nbsp;

The practice of Darbar Move was started by the Maharaja of Kashmir, Gulab Singh in the year 1872. The administration would work from Jammu during the six months of winter while the same would be shifted to Srinagar during the summers. As part of this practice, all the offices including the Raj Bhawan, the Civil Secretariat and many other departments would shift after six months.&nbsp;

In a surprise move, the Jammu and Kashmir government today cancelled the residential accommodation of "Darbar Move" employees in Jammu and Srinagar depending on their location.

In a surprise move, the Jammu and Kashmir government today cancelled the residential accommodation of "Darbar Move" employees in Jammu and Srinagar depending on their location. The order, which was issued by the government stated that all the employees will have to vacate their accommodation within three weeks. "Cancellation of allotment of residential accommodation of officers/officials at Srinagar as indicated at Annexure-A to this order who are stationed at Jammu, and cancellation of allotment of residential accommodation of officers/officials at Jammu as per Annexure-B to this order who are stationed at Srinagar," said the Government order. Earlier this month, The LG of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha had said that the administration has completely transitioned to e-office, thereby ending the practice of the biannual ''Darbar Move''. The government had also said that with this move, both Jammu and Srinagar secretariats will work for all 12 months. It also mentioned that the government would save on millions of rupees by this decision. The practice of Darbar Move was started by the Maharaja of Kashmir, Gulab Singh in the year 1872. The administration would work from Jammu during the six months of winter while the same would be shifted to Srinagar during the summers. As part of this practice, all the offices including the Raj Bhawan, the Civil Secretariat and many other departments would shift after six months.

J&K government cancels government accommodation for 'Darbar Move' employees

The delimitation commission will visit Jammu and Kashmir between July 6-9 and interact with political parties, public representatives and officials of the Union Territory to gather "first hand" information of the mega exercise to carve out new constituencies, the EC said on Wednesday.

A decision in this regard was taken after a meeting of the poll panel that was chaired by delimitation commission chairperson Justice (retd) Ranjana Prakash Desai and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sushil Chandra, it said.

"The commission expects that all stakeholders will cooperate in this endeavour and provide valuable suggestions so that the task of delimitation is completed timely," an Election Commission (EC) spokesperson said in a statement issue here.

The delimitation commission is tasked with redrawing the parliamentary and assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir.

The delimitation commission will visit Jammu and Kashmir between July 6-9 and interact with political parties, public representatives and officials of the Union Territory to gather "first hand" information of the mega exercise to carve out new constituencies, the EC said on Wednesday.

The delimitation commission will visit Jammu and Kashmir between July 6-9 and interact with political parties, public representatives and officials of the Union Territory to gather "first hand" information of the mega exercise to carve out new constituencies, the EC said on Wednesday. A decision in this regard was taken after a meeting of the poll panel that was chaired by delimitation commission chairperson Justice (retd) Ranjana Prakash Desai and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sushil Chandra, it said. "The commission expects that all stakeholders will cooperate in this endeavour and provide valuable suggestions so that the task of delimitation is completed timely," an Election Commission (EC) spokesperson said in a statement issue here. The delimitation commission is tasked with redrawing the parliamentary and assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir.

Delimitation commission to visit Jammu and Kashmir between July 6-9

A case of alleged conversion and inter-religious marriage is snowballing into a big controversy in the Kashmir valley. Three girls from the Sikh community had gone missing after they eloped with Muslim men. One of the girls has been traced by Jammu and Kashmir police and handed over to the family.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>The Sikh community took out many protests In Srinagar demanding the other two girls to be traced and handed over to the families. They also demanded for a change in conversion laws. The issue is also in the notice of Lieutenant&nbsp;Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and the home ministry. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

The family of a Sikh girl in Srinagar's Rainawari area of downtown filed a report with the police saying their&nbsp;daughter was abducted. The police later arrested both the daughter and her husband. When produced in the court, the judge decided that the girl is an adult and has the right to go wherever she wishes to. Although the man was taken into custody while the girl was taken by her parents.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Soon after the judge's direction, the Sikh&nbsp;community took out protests in Srinagar alleging that the decision&nbsp;was biased. They also allege that the parents of the girl were not allowed inside the courtroom while the man's family was. Police say ''the matter is being investigated''.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

The father of the girl said that we are under a lot of stress and there is no one to listen to our problems. He says the government should provide us security so that we feel safe.<o:p></o:p>

''This girl is a minor, she just turned 18 two months ago, last year she had brain surgery after she developed a clot. We had repair work going on, and he was working as a labourer here renovating my house. He knocked on my door, he pushed and kicked me and took my girl away. He said if you shout I will kill you with my pistol. There was a car waiting outside and He took my girl away. We went to the police in the early morning. And later police said we have traced the girl from the jungle and took her to the women police station. They didn't allow us to meet until they took us to court. And they didn't even allow us to enter the courtroom. They gave us the girl at 11;30 pm. We don't&nbsp;feel safe and no one listens to us.'' said Rajinder Singh Bali, father of the girl.<o:p></o:p>

Akali Dal Leader and Delhi Gurdwara committee&nbsp;president, MS Sirsa flew down to Srinagar&nbsp;to take stock of the situation.

He, while speaking to the media said. ''four girls have been forcefully&nbsp;converted, an 18-year-old girl was married to a middle aged man and we were told that she married of her own choice. The district judiciary also did not&nbsp;give any justice, he didn't even allow the parents of the girls to come inside the courtroom. The middle-aged man's whole relatives were inside the courtroom so that the girl was under pressure to give her statement against the parents. Leaders of our community world wide have condemned this act. We have written to the governor also, not only asking the government to handover these girls back to their families but also bring in changes&nbsp;in the law. We are sad that the majority community is not standing with us right now. ''<o:p></o:p>

While the Sikh community leaders and members said that if the government doesn't&nbsp;take action in&nbsp;these cases, the youth of the community will tackle the situation themselves.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

''Two girls were taken to court after their statement, they were converted. One is an 18-year-old girl who was taken by a 45-year-old man, who had twice married before. We want this to stop. We have a very small population, around 60 thousand. The brotherhood between the majority committee has always been there and we want them to intervene and return our daughters. We want conversion laws to be made here too. The girl's family wasn't allowed to come inside the court. We appeal to the leaders here also to come forward to stop these things. If the government doesn't&nbsp;do anything our youth are ready to tackle the situation. Baldev Singh, President Sikh Committee, Srinagar.<o:p></o:p>

The members of the majority community also came forward and were seen protesting and asking the government to handover the girls to their parents as soon as possible.

&nbsp;''We are protesting here even if I am alone with my daughter here. We will protest even if there are not many people. We want Sikh girl back at any cost. Sikh brothers have stayed with us through thick and thin and we will too. I am a common citizen and I couldn't see my Sikh brothers and sisters protesting alone. We all should protest for this. These Sikhs are the same who came to our rescue during floods,'' said a local citizen.&nbsp;

A case of alleged conversion and inter-religious marriage is snowballing into a big controversy in the Kashmir valley. Three girls from the Sikh community had gone missing after they eloped with Muslim men.

A case of alleged conversion and inter-religious marriage is snowballing into a big controversy in the Kashmir valley. Three girls from the Sikh community had gone missing after they eloped with Muslim men. One of the girls has been traced by Jammu and Kashmir police and handed over to the family. The Sikh community took out many protests In Srinagar demanding the other two girls to be traced and handed over to the families. They also demanded for a change in conversion laws. The issue is also in the notice of Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and the home ministry. The family of a Sikh girl in Srinagar's Rainawari area of downtown filed a report with the police saying their daughter was abducted. The police later arrested both the daughter and her husband. When produced in the court, the judge decided that the girl is an adult and has the right to go wherever she wishes to. Although the man was taken into custody while the girl was taken by her parents. Soon after the judge's direction, the Sikh community took out protests in Srinagar alleging that the decision was biased. They also allege that the parents of the girl were not allowed inside the courtroom while the man's family was. Police say ''the matter is being investigated''. The father of the girl said that we are under a lot of stress and there is no one to listen to our problems. He says the government should provide us security so that we feel safe. ''This girl is a minor, she just turned 18 two months ago, last year she had brain surgery after she developed a clot. We had repair work going on, and he was working as a labourer here renovating my house. He knocked on my door, he pushed and kicked me and took my girl away. He said if you shout I will kill you with my pistol. There was a car waiting outside and He took my girl away. We went to the police in the early morning. And later police said we have traced the girl from the jungle and took her to the women police station. They didn't allow us to meet until they took us to court. And they didn't even allow us to enter the courtroom. They gave us the girl at 11;30 pm. We don't feel safe and no one listens to us.'' said Rajinder Singh Bali, father of the girl. Akali Dal Leader and Delhi Gurdwara committee president, MS Sirsa flew down to Srinagar to take stock of the situation. He, while speaking to the media said. ''four girls have been forcefully converted, an 18-year-old girl was married to a middle aged man and we were told that she married of her own choice. The district judiciary also did not give any justice, he didn't even allow the parents of the girls to come inside the courtroom. The middle-aged man's whole relatives were inside the courtroom so that the girl was under pressure to give her statement against the parents. Leaders of our community world wide have condemned this act. We have written to the governor also, not only asking the government to handover these girls back to their families but also bring in changes in the law. We are sad that the majority community is not standing with us right now. '' While the Sikh community leaders and members said that if the government doesn't take action in these cases, the youth of the community will tackle the situation themselves. ''Two girls were taken to court after their statement, they were converted. One is an 18-year-old girl who was taken by a 45-year-old man, who had twice married before. We want this to stop. We have a very small population, around 60 thousand. The brotherhood between the majority committee has always been there and we want them to intervene and return our daughters. We want conversion laws to be made here too. The girl's family wasn't allowed to come inside the court. We appeal to the leaders here also to come forward to stop these things. If the government doesn't do anything our youth are ready to tackle the situation. Baldev Singh, President Sikh Committee, Srinagar. The members of the majority community also came forward and were seen protesting and asking the government to handover the girls to their parents as soon as possible. ''We are protesting here even if I am alone with my daughter here. We will protest even if there are not many people. We want Sikh girl back at any cost. Sikh brothers have stayed with us through thick and thin and we will too. I am a common citizen and I couldn't see my Sikh brothers and sisters protesting alone. We all should protest for this. These Sikhs are the same who came to our rescue during floods,'' said a local citizen.

Alleged conversion snowballing into a controversy in Kashmir valley

A new all-weather tunnel between Qazi Gund and Banihal is soon going be opened to public in a few days. The new 8.5 km long tunnel is going to facilitate increase in connectivity to Jammu and Kashmir which&nbsp;is often hit in winters due to snowfall and landslides.

The closure of national highway between Jammu and Kashmir during winters meant earlier that supply of essential commodities from the rest of the country&nbsp;would get&nbsp;stopped for several days.

The Qazi Gund-Banihal tunnel has bypassed the most difficult terrain on the national highway. The distance between the two points was earlier 16.5 kilometers, something that has nearly got cut to half.

It took the government 10 long years to make this tunnel as it faced&nbsp;major issues including that of adverse weather.

“It took more than 9 years. As of now we are in the final stage. Our testing commision will get completed and it will be thrown open. Tunnelling is a difficult job. You cannot predict what is inside the tunnel once u start the excavation and you know the rock strata, whether it’s lose or hard rock, you need to be careful on every step. You can imagine how tunnelling is a time-consuming job and we are extremely happy that we have finally finished the work," said Muneeb&nbsp;Tak, chief manager

The government says it will benefit people in a lot of ways. It will not only save the time but the tunnel will be open all through the year.&nbsp;

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“There will be no issue for the movement of the traffic. Earlier, there used to be many landslides near Jawahar tunnel in winters and clearance took time. But the new tunnel is an all-weather one. There will be no difficulty in clearing of the snow. So it will remain open throughout the year," said Muneeb&nbsp;Tak.

The whole tunnel has&nbsp;been made on Build,&nbsp;Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis. It is attached with an exhaust system to remove gas and bring in fresh air. It has 126 jet fans, 234 CCTV modern cameras and a firefighting system installed.

The locals of the area are relieved as they had no other route to use&nbsp;during the winters previously. They used to face immense problems taking&nbsp;sick people to hospitals or taking essential commodities to other places.&nbsp;

“This tunnel will benefit us a lot, we were cut off from Kashmir during the winters. The sick would not reach hospital, the students couldn’t reach exam centres, even dead bodies had to wait. Now we can finally breath a sigh of relief. It will save us two-hour distance and we can cover it in 20 mins now. It’s a great step by the government," said Zahoor Ahmad Wani, a local resident.&nbsp;

People faced difficulties transferring patients especially pregnant women to hospitals

“This will benefit us a lot. There were lot of landslides on the other route. There was no way to take a pregnant woman to hospital. We used to face problem while getting people from Jammu to Kashmir, we are eagerly waiting for this to become functional," said Imtiaz Ahmad Beigh, a local resident.

A new all-weather tunnel between Qazi Gund and Banihal is soon going be opened to public in a few days. The new 8.5 km long tunnel is going to facilitate increase in connectivity to Jammu and Kashmir which is often hit in winters due to snowfall and landslides.

A new all-weather tunnel between Qazi Gund and Banihal is soon going be opened to public in a few days. The new 8.5 km long tunnel is going to facilitate increase in connectivity to Jammu and Kashmir which is often hit in winters due to snowfall and landslides. The closure of national highway between Jammu and Kashmir during winters meant earlier that supply of essential commodities from the rest of the country would get stopped for several days. The Qazi Gund-Banihal tunnel has bypassed the most difficult terrain on the national highway. The distance between the two points was earlier 16.5 kilometers, something that has nearly got cut to half. It took the government 10 long years to make this tunnel as it faced major issues including that of adverse weather. “It took more than 9 years. As of now we are in the final stage. Our testing commision will get completed and it will be thrown open. Tunnelling is a difficult job. You cannot predict what is inside the tunnel once u start the excavation and you know the rock strata, whether it’s lose or hard rock, you need to be careful on every step. You can imagine how tunnelling is a time-consuming job and we are extremely happy that we have finally finished the work," said Muneeb Tak, chief manager The government says it will benefit people in a lot of ways. It will not only save the time but the tunnel will be open all through the year. “There will be no issue for the movement of the traffic. Earlier, there used to be many landslides near Jawahar tunnel in winters and clearance took time. But the new tunnel is an all-weather one. There will be no difficulty in clearing of the snow. So it will remain open throughout the year," said Muneeb Tak. The whole tunnel has been made on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis. It is attached with an exhaust system to remove gas and bring in fresh air. It has 126 jet fans, 234 CCTV modern cameras and a firefighting system installed. The locals of the area are relieved as they had no other route to use during the winters previously. They used to face immense problems taking sick people to hospitals or taking essential commodities to other places. “This tunnel will benefit us a lot, we were cut off from Kashmir during the winters. The sick would not reach hospital, the students couldn’t reach exam centres, even dead bodies had to wait. Now we can finally breath a sigh of relief. It will save us two-hour distance and we can cover it in 20 mins now. It’s a great step by the government," said Zahoor Ahmad Wani, a local resident. People faced difficulties transferring patients especially pregnant women to hospitals “This will benefit us a lot. There were lot of landslides on the other route. There was no way to take a pregnant woman to hospital. We used to face problem while getting people from Jammu to Kashmir, we are eagerly waiting for this to become functional," said Imtiaz Ahmad Beigh, a local resident.

8.5 km all-weather Qazi Gund-Banihal tunnel to open for public in days

While Covid has wreaked havoc across the world, it has also pushed innovators to come up with new technology. One such case is in Srinagar's Buchpora area, where two engineers Sajid and Jehangir have come up with a low-cost ventilator.&nbsp;

This ventilator will not only provide oxygen supply to a Covid-positive patient but will also help in monitoring the ECG, temperature and saturation via remote access.&nbsp;

“If we talk about Covid that started 13-14 months ago, the scarcity of the ventilators was the first thing that got highlighted all across the world. As far as medical research is concerned proper ventilation is the only way to save the covid critical patients. This research striked [sic]&nbsp;our minds and we took an initiative to design a low cost ventilator that will give 10-12 inhalations&nbsp;per minute to patients. It will also keep surveillance&nbsp;of patients by monitoring&nbsp;the ECG and temperature",&nbsp;said&nbsp;Jehangir Ahmad,&nbsp; the innovator behind the tech.

The main purpose of making this ventilator is making it&nbsp;cost efficient so that everyone can afford it. And now the innovators are asking the government for help in developing these ventilators so that they can reach the market and be sold to the needy.&nbsp;

''The model for us is a multipurpose ventilator -&nbsp;low cost, economical and portable ventilator. Besides giving air to patients, it can also monitor all the live conditions of the patient whether it is ECG, oxygen saturation, temperature which a doctor can remotely access via a mobile phone from a remote location. We have used an open source app like Blink to visualise all the parameters. When it comes to the market it will be&nbsp;around 10-15,000&nbsp;in Indian currency. We need support from the government so that this product can come to the market",&nbsp;said&nbsp;Sajid Noor.

Both Sajid and Jehangir were awarded by the National Institute of Technology&nbsp;for the innovation of this ventilator in the ''Covid Open innovation challenge'' held in Srinagar. And now they hope that the government will help in its mass production.

While Covid has wreaked havoc across the world, it has also pushed innovators to come up with new technology. One such case is in Srinagar's Buchpora area, where two engineers Sajid and Jehangir have come up with a low-cost ventilator.

While Covid has wreaked havoc across the world, it has also pushed innovators to come up with new technology. One such case is in Srinagar's Buchpora area, where two engineers Sajid and Jehangir have come up with a low-cost ventilator. This ventilator will not only provide oxygen supply to a Covid-positive patient but will also help in monitoring the ECG, temperature and saturation via remote access. “If we talk about Covid that started 13-14 months ago, the scarcity of the ventilators was the first thing that got highlighted all across the world. As far as medical research is concerned proper ventilation is the only way to save the covid critical patients. This research striked [sic] our minds and we took an initiative to design a low cost ventilator that will give 10-12 inhalations per minute to patients. It will also keep surveillance of patients by monitoring the ECG and temperature", said Jehangir Ahmad, the innovator behind the tech. The main purpose of making this ventilator is making it cost efficient so that everyone can afford it. And now the innovators are asking the government for help in developing these ventilators so that they can reach the market and be sold to the needy. ''The model for us is a multipurpose ventilator - low cost, economical and portable ventilator. Besides giving air to patients, it can also monitor all the live conditions of the patient whether it is ECG, oxygen saturation, temperature which a doctor can remotely access via a mobile phone from a remote location. We have used an open source app like Blink to visualise all the parameters. When it comes to the market it will be around 10-15,000 in Indian currency. We need support from the government so that this product can come to the market", said Sajid Noor. Both Sajid and Jehangir were awarded by the National Institute of Technology for the innovation of this ventilator in the ''Covid Open innovation challenge'' held in Srinagar. And now they hope that the government will help in its mass production.

Innovators from Kashmir urge government to help produce their low-cost ventilator

With the Covid cases rising in the union territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir, the State government has established Covid care facilities at every panchayat of the UT.&nbsp;

In total, around 15,000 beds have been set up in 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir for Covid patients. Each panchayat will have a five-bed facility, where one bed will be equipped with an oxygen concentrator. Medical staff will also be present.&nbsp;

It is likely to alleviate some pressure off the hospitals, who have been getting overwhelming number of patients. It will also be helpful for people, who don't have space to keep Covid patients in isolation at home. &nbsp;&nbsp;

''On the instructions of L-G, we have established Covid care centres at all the 296 panchayats in Budgam. Medical facilities, such as PPE kits, oximeters, etc are available at these centres. A patient can be isolated and treated with ease,'' said Amardeep Singh, BDO, Budgam.&nbsp;

“As the treatment is available at panchayats, patients now do not need to travel to urban areas for the treatment,” added Budgam BDO.&nbsp;

"Earlier, Covid patients were forced to travel long distances to reach a hospital and it is very difficult during lockdown. All thanks to government’s efforts, now patients will be able to get treatment at their doorstep with convenience,” said Shabir Ahmad Bhat, Secretary (Panchayat), Budgam.&nbsp;

With the Covid cases rising in the union territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir, the State government has established Covid care facilities at every panchayat of the UT.

With the Covid cases rising in the union territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir, the State government has established Covid care facilities at every panchayat of the UT. In total, around 15,000 beds have been set up in 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir for Covid patients. Each panchayat will have a five-bed facility, where one bed will be equipped with an oxygen concentrator. Medical staff will also be present. It is likely to alleviate some pressure off the hospitals, who have been getting overwhelming number of patients. It will also be helpful for people, who don't have space to keep Covid patients in isolation at home. ''On the instructions of L-G, we have established Covid care centres at all the 296 panchayats in Budgam. Medical facilities, such as PPE kits, oximeters, etc are available at these centres. A patient can be isolated and treated with ease,'' said Amardeep Singh, BDO, Budgam. “As the treatment is available at panchayats, patients now do not need to travel to urban areas for the treatment,” added Budgam BDO. "Earlier, Covid patients were forced to travel long distances to reach a hospital and it is very difficult during lockdown. All thanks to government’s efforts, now patients will be able to get treatment at their doorstep with convenience,” said Shabir Ahmad Bhat, Secretary (Panchayat), Budgam.

Covid care centres established at every panchayat in Jammu and Kashmir 

The pandemic has hit almost all sections of the society in&nbsp;ways more than one. Scores have been left jobless and many have been left to fend for themselves as lockdowns have prolonged. One of the lesser talked about sections is the transgender community in Kashmir, which seems to have been severely impacted as their sources of income have dried up.

Khushi Mir, a transgender from Srinagar has been without a job for more than a year. Khushi is a make-up artist and she has not had a client since the start of pandemic . Her clients mostly were brides and due to lockdown, there have been&nbsp;no weddings which means no business for her.

But that did not stop her from creating a group where not only has she managed to help herself but hundreds of other transgenders. Along with four young boys, she started&nbsp;a volunteer group. They're currently distributing food kits to the transgender community.&nbsp;

"A friend called me a few weeks ago and was in a very desperate situation, they had no food. I tried helping first on a personal level but later when I started getting more calls. I got in touch with Uzair. We are a group of 5 and we are trying our best to reach as many transgenders as possible. We have a list on 400 with us and slowly we are providing food kits to all of them.'' says Khushi Mir, a volunteer.

Khushi, on her own managed to make a network among the transgender community in the valley. They have listed 400 so far. These transgenders were make-up artists, singers and matchmakers. But due to lockdown they have lost their livelihoods.&nbsp;

Transgender community experiences&nbsp;harassment which has&nbsp;impacted the rates of vaccination&nbsp;among the community. They're&nbsp;requesting the government to start a special vaccination drive or to stipulate a centre for their community.&nbsp;

''We want separate vaccination centres for our community. Some people make fun of us while we walk on the roads, we don't want to go through that humiliation during our vaccination. So, a small vaccination centre for us would be a great help by the government.'' says Khushi Mir, Volunteer.&nbsp;

Among the other four&nbsp;members of the group are Mir Junaid and Uzair Dar. They have managed to crowd fund this project. Multiple people and organisations from across the country have donated for this cause.&nbsp;

''We distribute a ration kit [to] transgenders. The kit includes 25 kgs rice, 5 litre oil, spices, tea, sugar and salt. It costs us around 2500 rupees to make per kit. We have a list of 400 transgenders in total with us. In our first drive, we managed to reach out to 50 people,'' says Uzair Dar, Volunteer. The community claims that they have not received any help from the government.&nbsp;

The pandemic has hit almost all sections of the society in ways more than one. Scores have been left jobless and many have been left to fend for themselves as lockdowns have prolonged.

The pandemic has hit almost all sections of the society in ways more than one. Scores have been left jobless and many have been left to fend for themselves as lockdowns have prolonged. One of the lesser talked about sections is the transgender community in Kashmir, which seems to have been severely impacted as their sources of income have dried up. Khushi Mir, a transgender from Srinagar has been without a job for more than a year. Khushi is a make-up artist and she has not had a client since the start of pandemic . Her clients mostly were brides and due to lockdown, there have been no weddings which means no business for her. But that did not stop her from creating a group where not only has she managed to help herself but hundreds of other transgenders. Along with four young boys, she started a volunteer group. They're currently distributing food kits to the transgender community. "A friend called me a few weeks ago and was in a very desperate situation, they had no food. I tried helping first on a personal level but later when I started getting more calls. I got in touch with Uzair. We are a group of 5 and we are trying our best to reach as many transgenders as possible. We have a list on 400 with us and slowly we are providing food kits to all of them.'' says Khushi Mir, a volunteer. Khushi, on her own managed to make a network among the transgender community in the valley. They have listed 400 so far. These transgenders were make-up artists, singers and matchmakers. But due to lockdown they have lost their livelihoods. Transgender community experiences harassment which has impacted the rates of vaccination among the community. They're requesting the government to start a special vaccination drive or to stipulate a centre for their community. ''We want separate vaccination centres for our community. Some people make fun of us while we walk on the roads, we don't want to go through that humiliation during our vaccination. So, a small vaccination centre for us would be a great help by the government.'' says Khushi Mir, Volunteer. Among the other four members of the group are Mir Junaid and Uzair Dar. They have managed to crowd fund this project. Multiple people and organisations from across the country have donated for this cause. ''We distribute a ration kit [to] transgenders. The kit includes 25 kgs rice, 5 litre oil, spices, tea, sugar and salt. It costs us around 2500 rupees to make per kit. We have a list of 400 transgenders in total with us. In our first drive, we managed to reach out to 50 people,'' says Uzair Dar, Volunteer. The community claims that they have not received any help from the government.

Group of volunteers helps transgender community in Kashmir with food kits amid Covid

In an encounter between the security forces and terrorists in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, three terrorists belonging to LeT were neutralised after a six-hour gun battle.&nbsp;

At around 4 am IST, security forces got a tip-off about the presence of terrorists in a residential house at village Sheikhpora, Vailoo area of Kokernag, after which a joint cordon and search operation was launched by police, 19RR and CRPF.&nbsp;

Security forces gave an opportunity to the terrorists to surrender, however they fired on security forces after which the firing from both sides started.&nbsp;

"Bodies of the killed terrorists were retrieved from the site of encounter and they have been identified as Ilyas Ahmad Dar alias Sameer resident of Danwathpora Kokernag, Ubaid Shafi alias Abdullah resident of Batamaloo Srinagar and Aqib Ahmad Lone alias Sahil resident of Khandaypora Kulgam. As per police records, all the killed terrorists were linked with proscribed terror outfit LeT and part of the groups involved in several terror crime cases including attacks on security forces and security establishments,"&nbsp;police in a press release said.&nbsp;

Arms and ammunition were recovered from the encounter site by security forces. The ammunition included one AK-47 rifle, two pistols and other incriminating material.&nbsp;

Kashmir Zone IG Vijay Kumar lauded the role of security forces for conducting operation without any collateral damage.&nbsp;

“I congratulate police &amp; security forces for conducting successful operation without any collateral damage. I also appeal&nbsp;the parents of the misguided youth to help police to bring their wards back into mainstream.” Kumar said.

The police however said that the rites of the killed terrorists shall be performed after conducting medico-legal formalities and the nearest family members of local terrorist shall be allowed to participate in the last rites. 
&nbsp;

In an encounter between the security forces and terrorists in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, three terrorists belonging to LeT were neutralised after a six-hour gun battle.

In an encounter between the security forces and terrorists in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, three terrorists belonging to LeT were neutralised after a six-hour gun battle. At around 4 am IST, security forces got a tip-off about the presence of terrorists in a residential house at village Sheikhpora, Vailoo area of Kokernag, after which a joint cordon and search operation was launched by police, 19RR and CRPF. Security forces gave an opportunity to the terrorists to surrender, however they fired on security forces after which the firing from both sides started. "Bodies of the killed terrorists were retrieved from the site of encounter and they have been identified as Ilyas Ahmad Dar alias Sameer resident of Danwathpora Kokernag, Ubaid Shafi alias Abdullah resident of Batamaloo Srinagar and Aqib Ahmad Lone alias Sahil resident of Khandaypora Kulgam. As per police records, all the killed terrorists were linked with proscribed terror outfit LeT and part of the groups involved in several terror crime cases including attacks on security forces and security establishments," police in a press release said. Arms and ammunition were recovered from the encounter site by security forces. The ammunition included one AK-47 rifle, two pistols and other incriminating material. Kashmir Zone IG Vijay Kumar lauded the role of security forces for conducting operation without any collateral damage. “I congratulate police & security forces for conducting successful operation without any collateral damage. I also appeal the parents of the misguided youth to help police to bring their wards back into mainstream.” Kumar said. The police however said that the rites of the killed terrorists shall be performed after conducting medico-legal formalities and the nearest family members of local terrorist shall be allowed to participate in the last rites.

Three terrorists killed in encounter in Kashmir

Indian Army has set-up a 20-bedded High Dependency Unit (HDU) hospital in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla. The hospital will be run in collaboration with civil administration of Baramulla district.&nbsp;

"To help the people in Kashmir valley, a 20 bedded hospital has been established in the Baramulla district. The people in Kashmir will get good medical facilities here," Dr Paul M Varghese, Colonel Medical team told ANI.

Varghese said that there are five beds for the severe COVID cases and the remaining 15 are assigned for mild to moderate COVID infection.

"The hospitals have oxygen concentrator facility for patients with severe and moderate infection," Municipal Councilor of Baramulla Abid Salaam said.

The administrator of COVID-19 in Baramulla district Zeeshan Khan said that the Indian Army has converted a school into a COVID hospital. Indian Army has also launched several health awareness programs in the Baramulla district to create awareness on COVID-19.&nbsp;

As per official data, there are 46,535 active cases of COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Army has set-up a 20-bedded High Dependency Unit (HDU) hospital in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla. The hospital will be run in collaboration with civil administration of Baramulla district.

Indian Army has set-up a 20-bedded High Dependency Unit (HDU) hospital in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla. The hospital will be run in collaboration with civil administration of Baramulla district. "To help the people in Kashmir valley, a 20 bedded hospital has been established in the Baramulla district. The people in Kashmir will get good medical facilities here," Dr Paul M Varghese, Colonel Medical team told ANI. Varghese said that there are five beds for the severe COVID cases and the remaining 15 are assigned for mild to moderate COVID infection. "The hospitals have oxygen concentrator facility for patients with severe and moderate infection," Municipal Councilor of Baramulla Abid Salaam said. The administrator of COVID-19 in Baramulla district Zeeshan Khan said that the Indian Army has converted a school into a COVID hospital. Indian Army has also launched several health awareness programs in the Baramulla district to create awareness on COVID-19. As per official data, there are 46,535 active cases of COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir. (With inputs from agencies)

Jammu and Kashmir: Indian Army sets up 20-bed Covid hospital in Baramulla

Two militants have been killed in North Kashmir’s Sopore area in a gunfight between militants and security forces.

A Foreign militant who was involved in killing of two councillors and a cop is among the two militants killed.

The gunfight had started this evening after security forces received input about the presence of militants in Nathipora area of Sopore in north Kashmir's.&nbsp;

“In the ensuing encounter, two terrorists of LeT outfit were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter. One of the killed terrorist has been identified as Hamas alias Asrar alias Saria a foreign terrorist affiliated with proscribed terror outfit LeT and was active since March 2018 in North Kashmir. However, the identification of other killed terrorist is being ascertained.” said IG Police, Kashmir Zone, Vijay Kumar.&nbsp;

Authorities have suspended the internet services in the Sopore police district to maintain the law and order situation.

&nbsp;“He is the first foreign terrorist killed this year by security forces in the Kashmir region,” says IG Police, Kashmir Zone, Vijay Kumar.

Arms and ammunition including 01 AK-47 rifle, and 01 Insas rifle &amp; other incriminating materials were recovered from the site of encounter.&nbsp;

Two militants have been killed in North Kashmir’s Sopore area in a gunfight between militants and security forces. A Foreign militant who was involved in killing of two councillors and a cop is among the two militants killed.

Two militants have been killed in North Kashmir’s Sopore area in a gunfight between militants and security forces. A Foreign militant who was involved in killing of two councillors and a cop is among the two militants killed. The gunfight had started this evening after security forces received input about the presence of militants in Nathipora area of Sopore in north Kashmir's. “In the ensuing encounter, two terrorists of LeT outfit were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter. One of the killed terrorist has been identified as Hamas alias Asrar alias Saria a foreign terrorist affiliated with proscribed terror outfit LeT and was active since March 2018 in North Kashmir. However, the identification of other killed terrorist is being ascertained.” said IG Police, Kashmir Zone, Vijay Kumar. Authorities have suspended the internet services in the Sopore police district to maintain the law and order situation. “He is the first foreign terrorist killed this year by security forces in the Kashmir region,” says IG Police, Kashmir Zone, Vijay Kumar. Arms and ammunition including 01 AK-47 rifle, and 01 Insas rifle & other incriminating materials were recovered from the site of encounter.

Jammu and Kashmir: Two militants killed in Sopore encounter

Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Jagmohan Malhotra passed away at the age of 94 after a brief illness.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi consoled the death of the veteran leader and said his demise is a monumental loss for our nation.

Taking to his Twitter handle this morning, PM Modi said, "Jagmohan Ji’s demise is a monumental loss for our nation. He was an exemplary administrator &amp; a renowned scholar. He always worked towards the betterment of India. His ministerial tenure was marked by innovative policymaking. Condolences to his family &amp; admirers."&nbsp;

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Jagmohan Ji’s demise is a monumental loss for our nation. He was an exemplary administrator and a renowned scholar. He always worked towards the betterment of India. His ministerial tenure was marked by innovative policy making. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.
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Born in September 1927, Jagmohan was a former Indian civil servant, who served as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and Goa, as well as the 5th Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.

Jagmohan served two terms as governor in Kashmir – from 1984 to 89, and then from January to May 1990.

When the BJP’s Atal Bihari Vajpayee became Prime Minister in 1998, Jagmohan served in his cabinet in a variety of portfolios, including communications, urban development and tourism. During the 1990s, Jagmohan had served as nominated MP in the Rajya Sabha in 1990–96 and won a hat-trick of Lok Sabha elections from New Delhi (1996, 1998 and 1999).

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Jagmohan Malhotra passed away at the age of 94 after a brief illness. Prime Minister Narendra Modi consoled the death of the veteran leader and said his demise is a monumental loss for our nation.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Jagmohan Malhotra passed away at the age of 94 after a brief illness. Prime Minister Narendra Modi consoled the death of the veteran leader and said his demise is a monumental loss for our nation. Taking to his Twitter handle this morning, PM Modi said, "Jagmohan Ji’s demise is a monumental loss for our nation. He was an exemplary administrator & a renowned scholar. He always worked towards the betterment of India. His ministerial tenure was marked by innovative policymaking. Condolences to his family & admirers." Jagmohan Ji’s demise is a monumental loss for our nation. He was an exemplary administrator and a renowned scholar. He always worked towards the betterment of India. His ministerial tenure was marked by innovative policy making. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 4, 2021 × Born in September 1927, Jagmohan was a former Indian civil servant, who served as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and Goa, as well as the 5th Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. Jagmohan served two terms as governor in Kashmir – from 1984 to 89, and then from January to May 1990. When the BJP’s Atal Bihari Vajpayee became Prime Minister in 1998, Jagmohan served in his cabinet in a variety of portfolios, including communications, urban development and tourism. During the 1990s, Jagmohan had served as nominated MP in the Rajya Sabha in 1990–96 and won a hat-trick of Lok Sabha elections from New Delhi (1996, 1998 and 1999). (With inputs from agencies)

Former Jammu and Kashmir governor Jagmohan passes away in Delhi

The third phase of vaccination has begun for people above the age of 18 years in the Union Territory of Jammu&nbsp;and Kashmir today. The government said that it has received&nbsp;around 75,000 new doses of Covaxin from Hyderabad.&nbsp;

The administration urged people to register themselves for the vaccine and also said that people who are not registered will not be vaccinated. There are around 10 designated centres in Srinagar where the third phase of vaccination has been started by the government.&nbsp;

"We have sufficient quantities of vaccines available&nbsp;with us. Earlier people were coming in less numbers but in the last few days, the demand for vaccines has increased and that's why we are getting more. We will keep it available&nbsp;for people. 10 centres for the people of age group 18-45 have been established. We request people in this age group to register themselves in CoWin app and come at the time of appointment.'' said Ajaz Asad, DC Srinagar.&nbsp;

More than 2.3 million (23&nbsp;lakh) people have been vaccinated in the Union Territory so far. The increasing demand for the vaccines is one of the reasons that many centres were closed as there were no vaccines available till today morning. However people appreciated the administration's effort of getting new doses of vaccines.&nbsp;

"It was very nice to get vaccinated, I think everyone should get vaccinated, The slot opened today and I thankfully registered. There is no walk in but everyone has to register on the CoWin app',' said Sardar Nasir Ali Khan, who got vaccinated today in Srinagar.&nbsp;

However, Jammu and Kashmir has announced free of cost vaccines for all age groups. As the cases crossed 3,000 mark, government had announced complete lockdown till Monday morning in 11 districts of the Union Territory.&nbsp;

The third phase of vaccination has begun for people above the age of 18 years in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir today. The government said that it has received around 75,000 new doses of Covaxin from Hyderabad.

The third phase of vaccination has begun for people above the age of 18 years in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir today. The government said that it has received around 75,000 new doses of Covaxin from Hyderabad. The administration urged people to register themselves for the vaccine and also said that people who are not registered will not be vaccinated. There are around 10 designated centres in Srinagar where the third phase of vaccination has been started by the government. "We have sufficient quantities of vaccines available with us. Earlier people were coming in less numbers but in the last few days, the demand for vaccines has increased and that's why we are getting more. We will keep it available for people. 10 centres for the people of age group 18-45 have been established. We request people in this age group to register themselves in CoWin app and come at the time of appointment.'' said Ajaz Asad, DC Srinagar. More than 2.3 million (23 lakh) people have been vaccinated in the Union Territory so far. The increasing demand for the vaccines is one of the reasons that many centres were closed as there were no vaccines available till today morning. However people appreciated the administration's effort of getting new doses of vaccines. "It was very nice to get vaccinated, I think everyone should get vaccinated, The slot opened today and I thankfully registered. There is no walk in but everyone has to register on the CoWin app',' said Sardar Nasir Ali Khan, who got vaccinated today in Srinagar. However, Jammu and Kashmir has announced free of cost vaccines for all age groups. As the cases crossed 3,000 mark, government had announced complete lockdown till Monday morning in 11 districts of the Union Territory.

Third phase of coronavirus vaccination begins in Jammu and Kashmir

The two-day meeting between India and Pakistan wrapped up on Wednesday, in which New Delhi justified its stand on the two hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Pakistan raised objections to the designs of Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnai hydropower projects.&nbsp;

It also asked for more information on hydropower projects in Ladakh approved by India after the revocation of special provisions of Article 370 which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, sources told news agency PTI.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-receive-first-purchase-of-over-1-mn-doses-of-chinese-vaccines-372606">Pakistan to receive first purchase of over 1 mn doses of Chinese vaccines</a>

The meeting was held after a pause of two years when India approved the removal of special status in August 2019.&nbsp;

After the withdrawal of Article 370, New Delhi gave a green signal to many hydropower projects for the region.&nbsp;

Indus river and its tributaries water is important to peoples of both nations and according to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), both nations must hold a meeting on the issue at least once a year alternatively in the two countries.&nbsp;

According to the treaty signed between New Delhi and Islamabad in 1960, the waters of the eastern rivers Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi annually are allocated to India for unrestricted use.&nbsp;

The waters of Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab, forming the western rivers have been majorly given to Pakistan.&nbsp; 
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The two-day meeting between India and Pakistan wrapped up on Wednesday, in which New Delhi justified its stand on the two hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir.

The two-day meeting between India and Pakistan wrapped up on Wednesday, in which New Delhi justified its stand on the two hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan raised objections to the designs of Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnai hydropower projects. It also asked for more information on hydropower projects in Ladakh approved by India after the revocation of special provisions of Article 370 which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, sources told news agency PTI. Also read | Pakistan to receive first purchase of over 1 mn doses of Chinese vaccines The meeting was held after a pause of two years when India approved the removal of special status in August 2019. After the withdrawal of Article 370, New Delhi gave a green signal to many hydropower projects for the region. Indus river and its tributaries water is important to peoples of both nations and according to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), both nations must hold a meeting on the issue at least once a year alternatively in the two countries. According to the treaty signed between New Delhi and Islamabad in 1960, the waters of the eastern rivers Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi annually are allocated to India for unrestricted use. The waters of Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab, forming the western rivers have been majorly given to Pakistan.

India, Pakistan meeting on Indus river concludes, New Delhi justifies developing hydropower projects in J&K

Last week saw India taking a batch of 24 foreign envoys to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. British High Commissioner Alexander Ellis was not one of them. Of the 24 envoys, the largest group of 9 envoys was from Europe. These were envoys of the EU, Finland, France, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden.

India was keen for British High commissioner to also be part of the visit. While the UK did not participate, it was aware of the visit being organized by the Indian government. It is understood that the UK mission in Delhi is closely working with authorities to find the best opportunity for UK high commissioner to visit the union territory soon.

This comes even as within the UK, a number of voices have been keen on developments in Jammu and Kashmir. A visit by British HC could have been a grand occasion to take stock of situation of things on the ground, especially in the backdrop of recent district development council elections and the resumption of 4G internet.&nbsp;&nbsp;

January saw a discussion on Kashmir in the British Parliament, with Minister for Asia Nigel Adams reiterating the official policy, that it is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

"We continue to believe that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting political resolution to the situation," he said.

On the removal of special status, he underlined, "There have been recent elections to the District Development Council... the first to take place since the revocation of article 370" and welcomed the relaxation of restrictions.

Interestingly, the British High commissioner to Pakistan visited Altit fort in Hunza valley in Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK) in October of last year amid the COVID pandemic.

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His key focus was boosting tourism in the area, but also, awarding Scottish scholarship to women in Gilgit.

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Last week saw India taking a batch of 24 foreign envoys to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. British High Commissioner Alexander Ellis was not one of them.

Last week saw India taking a batch of 24 foreign envoys to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. British High Commissioner Alexander Ellis was not one of them. Of the 24 envoys, the largest group of 9 envoys was from Europe. These were envoys of the EU, Finland, France, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. India was keen for British High commissioner to also be part of the visit. While the UK did not participate, it was aware of the visit being organized by the Indian government. It is understood that the UK mission in Delhi is closely working with authorities to find the best opportunity for UK high commissioner to visit the union territory soon. This comes even as within the UK, a number of voices have been keen on developments in Jammu and Kashmir. A visit by British HC could have been a grand occasion to take stock of situation of things on the ground, especially in the backdrop of recent district development council elections and the resumption of 4G internet. January saw a discussion on Kashmir in the British Parliament, with Minister for Asia Nigel Adams reiterating the official policy, that it is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. "We continue to believe that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting political resolution to the situation," he said. On the removal of special status, he underlined, "There have been recent elections to the District Development Council... the first to take place since the revocation of article 370" and welcomed the relaxation of restrictions. Interestingly, the British High commissioner to Pakistan visited Altit fort in Hunza valley in Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK) in October of last year amid the COVID pandemic. https://twitter.com/CTurnerFCDO/status/1314893081959780353 × His key focus was boosting tourism in the area, but also, awarding Scottish scholarship to women in Gilgit. https://twitter.com/CTurnerFCDO/status/1314117582958583808 ×

Absent during current visit, UK working closely for envoy Alexander Eliis' Jammu and Kashmir visit

Around twenty foreign envoys have reached the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the third visit in the last year.&nbsp;

The main aim of the visit is to showcase the progress made on the ground in the aftermath of the removal of special status for the region in 2019.

The majority of the envoys are part of the batch from Europe with the second-highest group from Africa and south and central America. Envoys from ASEAN, Central Asia and India's neighbouring countries are also present. During the visit, envoys will visit Srinagar, Jammu and also one of the holiest shrines of the union territory - Hazratbal.

The visit comes even as 4G speed internet has been restored in the union territory. The internet was restored after a gap of 18 months. The focus will also be on how grassroots democracy has taken root in the union territory particularly after the recent DDC elections.

Last year, India had taken a group in January, and another group in February, 2020. During that visit, the envoys had met locals, as well as top administrative leadership of the union territory.

In the last one year, India has been reaching out to the diplomatic community in Delhi to showcase its COVID-19 action plan as well.&nbsp;

Last year more than 50 envoys based in Delhi were taken to the southern Indian city of Hyderabad to show India's pharma plants where COVID-19 vaccines are being manufactured.&nbsp;

New Delhi has invited the diplomatic community to take part in its vaccination program as well and has got an enthusiastic response.&nbsp;

At least three thousand foreign diplomats and their families have accepted the invite to get vaccinated.

Around twenty foreign envoys have reached the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the third visit in the last year. The main aim of the visit is to showcase the progress made on the ground in the aftermath of the removal of special status for the region in 2019.

Around twenty foreign envoys have reached the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the third visit in the last year. The main aim of the visit is to showcase the progress made on the ground in the aftermath of the removal of special status for the region in 2019. The majority of the envoys are part of the batch from Europe with the second-highest group from Africa and south and central America. Envoys from ASEAN, Central Asia and India's neighbouring countries are also present. During the visit, envoys will visit Srinagar, Jammu and also one of the holiest shrines of the union territory - Hazratbal. The visit comes even as 4G speed internet has been restored in the union territory. The internet was restored after a gap of 18 months. The focus will also be on how grassroots democracy has taken root in the union territory particularly after the recent DDC elections. Last year, India had taken a group in January, and another group in February, 2020. During that visit, the envoys had met locals, as well as top administrative leadership of the union territory. In the last one year, India has been reaching out to the diplomatic community in Delhi to showcase its COVID-19 action plan as well. Last year more than 50 envoys based in Delhi were taken to the southern Indian city of Hyderabad to show India's pharma plants where COVID-19 vaccines are being manufactured. New Delhi has invited the diplomatic community to take part in its vaccination program as well and has got an enthusiastic response. At least three thousand foreign diplomats and their families have accepted the invite to get vaccinated.

Foreign envoys reach Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir

A group of foreign envoys are expected to visit the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on the 17th of this month. The visit, which is still in the planning stage, will focus on the progress made on the ground in the aftermath of the removal of special status for the region in 2019.

This will be the 3rd such visit of envoys to the Union Territory in the last one year. India had taken a group in January, and another group in February of 2020. During that visit, the envoys had met locals, as well as top administrative leadership of the union territory.

The visit comes even as 4G speed internet has been restored in the union territory. The internet was restored after a gap of 18 months. The decision was welcomed by the U.S. State Department.

The U.S. State Department in a tweet said, "We welcome the resumption of 4G mobile internet in India's Jammu &amp; Kashmir. This marks an important step for local residents and we look forward to continued political &amp; economic progress to restore normalcy in J&amp;K."

The focus will also be on how grassroots democracy has taken root in the union territory particularly after the recent DDC elections.

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We welcome the resumption of 4G mobile internet in India's Jammu &amp; Kashmir. This marks an important step for local residents and we look forward to continued political &amp; economic progress to restore normalcy in J&amp;K.
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In the last one year, India has been reaching out to the diplomatic community in Delhi to showcase its Covid action plan as well. Last year more than 50 envoys based in Delhi were taken to the southern Indian city of Hyderabad to show India's pharma plants where Covid vaccines are being manufactured. New Delhi has invited the diplomatic community to take part in its vaccination program as well and has got an enthusiastic response. 3000 foreign diplomats and their families have accepted the invite to get vaccinated. 
&nbsp;

A group of foreign envoys are expected to visit the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on the 17th of this month. The visit, which is still in the planning stage, will focus on the progress made on the ground in the aftermath of the removal of special status for the region in 2019.

A group of foreign envoys are expected to visit the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on the 17th of this month. The visit, which is still in the planning stage, will focus on the progress made on the ground in the aftermath of the removal of special status for the region in 2019. This will be the 3rd such visit of envoys to the Union Territory in the last one year. India had taken a group in January, and another group in February of 2020. During that visit, the envoys had met locals, as well as top administrative leadership of the union territory. The visit comes even as 4G speed internet has been restored in the union territory. The internet was restored after a gap of 18 months. The decision was welcomed by the U.S. State Department. The U.S. State Department in a tweet said, "We welcome the resumption of 4G mobile internet in India's Jammu & Kashmir. This marks an important step for local residents and we look forward to continued political & economic progress to restore normalcy in J&K." The focus will also be on how grassroots democracy has taken root in the union territory particularly after the recent DDC elections. We welcome the resumption of 4G mobile internet in India's Jammu & Kashmir. This marks an important step for local residents and we look forward to continued political & economic progress to restore normalcy in J&K. — State_SCA (@State_SCA) February 10, 2021 × In the last one year, India has been reaching out to the diplomatic community in Delhi to showcase its Covid action plan as well. Last year more than 50 envoys based in Delhi were taken to the southern Indian city of Hyderabad to show India's pharma plants where Covid vaccines are being manufactured. New Delhi has invited the diplomatic community to take part in its vaccination program as well and has got an enthusiastic response. 3000 foreign diplomats and their families have accepted the invite to get vaccinated.

As 4G gets restored, foreign envoys expected to visit J&K

The Central government on Thursday said that it has raised the matter of the wrong depiction of the map on India on the WHO's website "strongly" following which the global health body has put a disclaimer on its portal.&nbsp;

Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House), Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said the matter was brought to the notice of WHO.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-raises-inaccurate-depiction-of-indian-map-with-who-chief-tedros-calls-for-immediate-removal-356667">Government raises inaccurate depiction of Indian map with WHO chief Tedros; calls for immediate removal</a>

Last month, the map of India on WHO's portal showed Indian territories in different colours, with Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh coloured in grey, while the rest of India was depicted in blue.&nbsp;

"The issue of wrong depiction of the map of India on the WHO`s website has been raised strongly with the WHO. In response the WHO has informed Permanent Mission of India in Geneva that they have put a disclaimer on the portal," the minister said.&nbsp;

"The disclaimer says 'designations employed and presentation of these materials do not imply the expression of any opinion on part of the WHO concerning the legal status of any country, territory or area or of its authorities or concerning legal status of any country, territory or area of its authorities or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries dotted/dashed lines on maps represent approx border lines for which there may not be full agreement'."&nbsp;

The minister added that India's stand on the right depiction of boundaries is "unambiguously reiterated" to the global health body.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Central government on Thursday said that it has raised the matter of the wrong depiction of the map on India on the WHO's website "strongly" following which the global health body has put a disclaimer on its portal.

The Central government on Thursday said that it has raised the matter of the wrong depiction of the map on India on the WHO's website "strongly" following which the global health body has put a disclaimer on its portal. Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House), Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said the matter was brought to the notice of WHO. Watch | Also read | Government raises inaccurate depiction of Indian map with WHO chief Tedros; calls for immediate removal Last month, the map of India on WHO's portal showed Indian territories in different colours, with Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh coloured in grey, while the rest of India was depicted in blue. "The issue of wrong depiction of the map of India on the WHO`s website has been raised strongly with the WHO. In response the WHO has informed Permanent Mission of India in Geneva that they have put a disclaimer on the portal," the minister said. "The disclaimer says 'designations employed and presentation of these materials do not imply the expression of any opinion on part of the WHO concerning the legal status of any country, territory or area or of its authorities or concerning legal status of any country, territory or area of its authorities or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries dotted/dashed lines on maps represent approx border lines for which there may not be full agreement'." The minister added that India's stand on the right depiction of boundaries is "unambiguously reiterated" to the global health body.

WHO puts disclaimer after Indian govt 'strongly' complains wrong depiction of map

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